Obama honours WW-II, 9/11 generations at Normandy

U.S. President Barack Obama, centre and French President Francois Hollande stand, during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, at Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on Friday. (Source: AP)

President Barack Obama is paying tribute to the World War II and 9/11 generations in a visit to Normandy on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

Obama was to speak on Friday during a ceremony at the American cemetery, where nearly 10,000 white marble tombstones overlook the site of the battle’s bloodiest fighting at Omaha Beach.

The White House says Obama will honour those who fought Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich along with the veterans who have made similar sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

The anniversary events are taking on their own significance in a modern-day geopolitical crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to attend along with other world leaders who are standing against his aggressive moves in Ukraine.